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Palliative Care

Palliative care is the medical specialty focused on relief of pain, stress, and other debilitation symptoms of serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for you and your family. Palliative care is NOT hospice care. It can (and should) be part of a cancer patient's care protocol.

It helps by:

  • Identifying the full spectrum of physical, spiritual, and psychological care options available to you
  • Matching your goals and values to a customized care plan
  • Enhancing curative care with improved symptom control and relief
  • Empowering you and your family to make fully informed choices
  • Supporting all involved in the process, from diagnosis through grief.

There are no time restrictions on when or how long someone can receive Palliative Care. Palliative Care can be received by patients at any time, at any stage of illness whether it be terminal or not.

Since this service will generally be administered through your hospital or regular medical provider, it is likely that it is covered by your regular medical insurance. It is important to note, however, that each item will be billed separately, just as they are with regular hospital and doctor visits. If you receive outpatient palliative care, prescriptions will be billed separately and are only covered as provided by your regular insurance. In-patient care however, often does cover prescription charges. For more details, check with your insurance company, doctor, or hospital administration.

To learn more about Palliative Care, talk to your Doctor, Nurse or a Patient Navigator at your health provider's office or hospital.